Santos 100 Flying Tourbillon Limited Edition White Gold W2020017

Description

The Cartier Santos 100 Flying Tourbillon White Gold (Ref. W2020017) is a pinnacle of haute horlogerie—an XL statement piece forged from 18K white gold with an imposing 46.5 × 54.9 mm case and an openworked slate-grey guilloché dial that reveals a one-minute flying tourbillon. This limited-edition marvel fuses technical mastery with monumental aesthetics.

Overview

Released circa 2009–2013 as a flagship model in the Santos 100 lineup, Ref. W2020017 showcases Cartier’s in-house manual-wind Calibre 9452 MC, stamped with the prestigious Geneva Seal. Its massive yet curved profile offers wrist presence that’s dramatic, yet remarkably comfortable for its size .

Design and Craftsmanship

• Case & Dial: Polished 18K white gold case measuring 46.5 × 54.9 mm × 16.5 mm, housing a two‑layer skeletonized dial with cutout Roman numerals and slate-grey galvanic guilloché bridges .
  
  

• Tourbillon: The one-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock features Cartier’s signature “C”-shaped cage—rotating elegantly without upper bridge .
  
  

• Crown & Strap: Sapphire-set octagonal crown. Paired with a black alligator leather strap and 18K white gold double-deployant clasp .
  
  

Movement and Performance

• Calibre 9452 MC: A manual-winding Geneva Seal movement with a flying tourbillon, 19 jewels, and ~50-hour power reserve .
  
  

• Caseback: Exhibition sapphire back, secured with screws to display the beautifully finished bridges.
  
  

Features and Complications

• Flying Tourbillon: Rotates once per minute and doubles as a small-seconds display—cantilevered without a bridge for a truly floating effect .
  
  

• Water Resistance: 30 m (3 bar), suitable for daily wear.
  
  

• Crystal: Scratch‑resistant sapphire front and back.
  
  

Specifications

Case Material, Diameter, Thickness, and Finish

• Material: 18K White Gold
  

• Dimensions: 46.5 mm × 54.9 mm; Thickness: 16.5 mm
  

• Finish: Full polished
  

• Crown: Octagonal, sapphire-capped
  

• Water Resistance: 30 m (3 bar)
  
  

Dial Color, Markers, Hands, and Distinctive Elements

• Dial: Skeletonized with slate-grey guilloché
  

• Markers: Cutout Roman numerals
  

• Hands: Blued‑steel sword hands
  

• Tourbillon: Flying, “C”-cage at 6 o’clock
  
  

Bracelet/Strap Material, Width, Clasp Type, and Adjustability

• Strap: Black alligator leather
  

• Clasp: 18K white gold double-deployant buckle
  

• Adjustability: Multiple holes for wrist comfort
  
  

Movement Caliber, Power Reserve, Frequency, and Jewels

• Caliber: Cartier 9452 MC (manual-wind)
  

• Jewels: 19
  

• Power Reserve: ~50 hours
  

• Functions: Hours, minutes, small-seconds via tourbillon